As the 2025 holiday season approaches, the air is filled with more than just the scent of pine and peppermint. While the timeless classics of yesteryear continue to define our festive atmosphere, this year’s wave of new releases offers a vibrant soundtrack for modern traditions. Whether you are adorning the tree, sharing a quiet moment by the fireplace, or hosting a boisterous gathering, these fresh tracks infuse the season with a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair.
The 2025 musical landscape is remarkably diverse, spanning the heartfelt storytelling of country, the high-energy picking of bluegrass, and the soulful resonance of Contemporary Christian music. From innovative originals that capture the complexities of the holidays to reimagined staples that breathe new life into familiar melodies, there is something for every listener. This year, heavyweights like Brad Paisley and Trisha Yearwood share the spotlight with rising stars and Americana ensembles, ensuring your holiday playlist remains as dynamic as the season itself.
Explore our curated selection of 20 standout holiday songs from 2025 that deserve a spot in your seasonal rotation.
1. Carter Faith & William Beckmann, “Nothin’ for Christmas”
Rising artist Carter Faith, following the success of her debut Cherry Valley, teams up with the velvet-voiced William Beckmann for “Nothin’ For Christmas.” This romantic ballad feels like an instant heirloom, blending their crystalline harmonies into a timeless seasonal tapestry.
2. Luke Bryan & Ella Langley, “Winter Wonderland”
Country superstar Luke Bryan joins forces with CMA winner Ella Langley to deliver a spirited rendition of “Winter Wonderland.” Their chemistry adds a playful, modern energy to this snowy standard.
3. Old Crow Medicine Show, “Corn Whiskey Christmas”
Taken from their festive project OCMS XMAS, “Corn Whiskey Christmas” is a rowdy, fiddle-driven anthem. Filmed at Nashville’s iconic Santa’s Pub, the track celebrates holiday spirits—quite literally—with a blazing tempo and lighthearted lyrics about a legendary “Grandpappy.”
4. Matthew West, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
Matthew West delivers a polished and inviting version of this holiday staple. Featured on his album Come Home for Christmas, West’s conversational delivery makes the familiar lyrics feel warm and exceptionally personal.
5. Brad Paisley, “Counting Down the Days”
Brad Paisley captures the breathless anticipation of December in “Counting Down the Days.” Found on his Snow Globe Town album, this uptempo track is classic Paisley, blending clever songwriting with festive cheer.
6. JB Somers, “I Hate Christmas”
Addressing the often-overlooked somber side of the season, JB Somers offers “I Hate Christmas.” It is a poignant exploration of loneliness and familial distance, providing a resonant voice for those who find the holidays more difficult than magical.
7. Dan + Shay, “Long Live Christmas”
Building on their holiday discography, Dan + Shay return with “Long Live Christmas.” The duo paints a vivid picture of gingerbread and candy canes, celebrating the sensory details that make the season feel eternal.
8. Trisha Yearwood, “Blue Christmas”
On her Christmastime album, Trisha Yearwood offers a soulful masterclass with her cover of “Blue Christmas.” Backed by rich orchestral arrangements, her powerful vocals give the Elvis classic a sophisticated, mournful beauty.
9. The Kody Norris Show, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
The Kody Norris Show injects a dose of bluegrass adrenaline into this children’s favorite. With frantic mandolin and banjo work, they transform the song into a “grassy” celebration that is impossible not to tap your feet to.
10. Blessing Offor, “Merry Christmas, Baby”
From his To All a Good Night EP, Blessing Offor tackles Otis Redding’s “Merry Christmas, Baby.” Offor’s dynamic range and soulful grit make this one of the most infectious releases of the year.
11. Willie Nelson, “Christmas Love Song”
The legendary Willie Nelson brings his signature phrasing to “Christmas Love Song.” Written by a powerhouse trio of songwriters, the track tells a touching story of a song given as a holiday gift, delivered with Nelson’s incomparable warmth.
12. Chris Young, “Christmas Ain’t Christmas”
Chris Young simplifies his holiday wish list in the emotive “Christmas Ain’t Christmas.” The song focuses on the essential nature of companionship, emphasizing that decorations mean little without the right person there to see them.
13. Forrest Frank and JVKE, “CHRISTmas”
Forrest Frank and JVKE collaborate on a faith-centered original that seeks to put the “holy” back into the season. It’s a modern call to reflection that stands out in a sea of commercial carols.
14. Mickey Guyton, “Sugar Cookie”
Mickey Guyton serves up something sweet and flirty with “Sugar Cookie.” This lighthearted track from her Feels Like Christmas album uses baking metaphors to describe a festive romance with plenty of charm.
15. Lady A, “Wouldn’t Be Christmas”
Lady A showcases their world-class harmonies in “Wouldn’t Be Christmas.” The song captures the yearning of waiting for a loved one’s return, wrapped in a cozy country-pop production.
16. The Choir Room, “Silent Night”
Led by Dwan Hill, The Choir Room offers an inspired rendition of “Silent Night.” The collective’s powerful, layered vocals elevate the hymn, making it feel both grand and intimately sacred.
17. Little Big Town, “The Innkeeper”
In a unique lyrical turn, Little Big Town explores the Nativity story from the perspective of the innkeeper. Their rich, trademark harmonies add weight to this narrative track from The Christmas Record.
18. Kristy Cox, “Christmas Without You”
Bluegrass star Kristy Cox explores the bittersweet feeling of being away from home in “Christmas Without You.” The song reflects on her Australian roots, blending traditional sounds with a wistful sense of nostalgia.
19. Brandon Heath and Francesca Battistelli, “Long Expected”
Two CCM powerhouses, Brandon Heath and Francesca Battistelli, unite for “Long Expected.” This scripturally-inspired duet celebrates the advent with soaring vocals and a message of enduring hope.
20. Lainey Wilson, “Peace, Love and Cowboys (Holiday Edition)”
Lainey Wilson gives her fan-favorite track a festive makeover. By weaving in holiday elements, she maintains her signature “bell-bottom country” style while ringing in the season with western flair.
